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REQUEST FOR HRA ACTION DATE: 03/16/04 ITEM NO: 7.a. Staff Approval: Agenda Section: CBAction Approval to issue an appraisal for the property located at 2012 Item Description: Eldridge Street & Discuss use of eminent domain (HF 0020) 1.0 Requested Action 1.1HRA staff is requesting the approval to order an appraisal to determine the fair market value for the vacant and code deficient home located at 2012 Eldridge Street (see site map). HRA funds would be used from the Housing Replacement section of the budget for the cost of the appraisal. The results of the appraisal and request to begin eminent domain proceedings will be presented at a future HRA meeting in April or May. 2.0 Property Background 2.1Since 1993, the city has been working with the single family property owner at 2012 Eldridge regarding ongoing property neglect and code deficiencies. The property is mostly vacant and both interior and exterior deferred maintenance has caused neighborhood complaints and concern. 2.2In 1996, staff worked with the property owner to remove a shed that was falling down and to repair a leaking roof that was covered with a tarp. The vacant property is consistently in violation of the city code regarding length of grass and overgrown shrubbery and many times the City has had the grass cut for the property owner. In addition, there are ongoing issues and inconsistencies with payment of the water bill resulting in late fees. In 1998, after several years of attempts to work with the property owner, the Council approved a $3,000 abatement to paint the exterior of the home. 2.3To help facilitate improvements to the property, the City requested the assistance of the Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation (GMHC) to voluntarily purchase the property, using city gap funds, demolish the building and build a new home. In 2003 GMHC were able to receive permission to enter the home for an inspection from the owner’s son, Frank Wu. After inspection, GMHC made the following conclusions. Severe water damage due to roof leakage and there is extensive mold and wood rot throughout; Evidence of critters nesting in the home (a previously complaint dealt with this also); No basement and only a crawl space with a dirt floor where a large area of the masonry foundation wall has caved in that also has extensive mold issues; The interior floor plan is outdated and has been altered to an extent that relocating of interior walls would be necessary were a new owner to try and remodel; 2012 Eldridge Request 03/16/04 - Page 1 of 3